Dr Helen P. Waudby

Dr Helen Waudby is a wildlife ecologist specialising in the study of small terrestrial vertebrates, including desert vertebrates. She is particularly interested in understanding the effect of environmental factors (e.g., herbivory and rainfall) and management interventions on the diversity and abundance of vertebrates in rangelands.

Dr Waudby is a Threatened Species Officer with the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage (OEH). Her work with OEH focuses on the planning and implementation of conservation projects for threatened species such as southern bell frog (Litoria raniformis), Sloane's froglet (Crinia sloanei), squirrel gliders (Petaurus norfolcensis), and a suite of threatened mallee fauna, including southern Ningaui (Ningaui yvonneae).

For her PhD, Dr Waudby worked in the stony plains region of the southern Lake Eyre Basin, South Australia. She investigated the role of cracking-clay systems in supporting local biodiversity, and the effect of cattle grazing on native plants and animals. Most recently Dr Waudby has been working with researchers from the University of New South Wales to examine the influence of total grazing pressure on vegetation and soils in conservation reserves.

RESEARCH INTERESTS

Factors influencing the abundance and distribution of desert biota

Ecology and conservation of small mammals

Integrated rangeland management

Improved methods for trapping, handling, and monitoring small vertebrates

Bachelor of Applied Science (Hons, First Class), University of South Australia, 2006

Doctor of Philosophy (Environmental Science), University of South Australia, 2013

Waudby, H.P.,& Petit,S. (2015) Disintegration of cattle hoof prints in cracking-clay soils of the arid South Australian Stony Plains region during a wet period. South Australian Geographic Journal 113: 5-12.